Interstate ramps affected by truck accident

Cleanup continues today at Joe Mallisham Parkway exit

Published: Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 3:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 1:03 a.m.

Liquid asphalt spilled during a truck accident Tuesday morning created a mess that won't likely be cleaned until later today.

An 18-wheeler wrecked as the driver was exiting the interstate onto Joe Mallisham Parkway around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The tank was damaged by the ramp's cement barrier. Liquid asphalt poured from the front end of the tank and valves at the top, said Lt. Andy Norris, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office spokesman.

The Exit 68 entrance and exit ramps were closed for several hours Tuesday. Both lanes of the ramp from the interstate to Joe Mallisham Parkway were opened Tuesday afternoon, while one lane of the ramp from Mallisham to the interstate was open. Crews planned to work through the night and close both of the entrance ramps again after this morning's rush hour to complete the job.

"They'll shut the ramp back down around 9:30 a.m. to complete the cleanup," Norris said.

He urged drivers to use caution while traveling over the sand poured on the roadway.

<p>Liquid asphalt spilled during a truck accident Tuesday morning created a mess that won't likely be cleaned until later today.</p><p>An 18-wheeler wrecked as the driver was exiting the interstate onto Joe Mallisham Parkway around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.</p><p>The tank was damaged by the ramp's cement barrier. Liquid asphalt poured from the front end of the tank and valves at the top, said Lt. Andy Norris, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office spokesman.</p><p>The Exit 68 entrance and exit ramps were closed for several hours Tuesday. Both lanes of the ramp from the interstate to Joe Mallisham Parkway were opened Tuesday afternoon, while one lane of the ramp from Mallisham to the interstate was open. Crews planned to work through the night and close both of the entrance ramps again after this morning's rush hour to complete the job. </p><p>"They'll shut the ramp back down around 9:30 a.m. to complete the cleanup," Norris said.</p><p>He urged drivers to use caution while traveling over the sand poured on the roadway.</p>